TECHNOLOGY: US intelligence and law enforcement agencies are probing what they see as a broad covert Russian operation in the United States to sow public distrust in the upcoming presidential election and in US political institutions.

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Syria: Bombings on government-held territory across the country kill at least 43

Bombs struck the cities of Tartus, Homs and Hasakeh, as well as a Damascus suburb.

A double-bombing in the Mediterranean city of Tartus, a Syrian government stronghold that hosts a Russian military base, killed 30 and injured at least 45 others. The first of the blasts came from a car-bomb, and the second from a suicide bomber who detonated his explosives when first-responders arrived at the scene.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bombing in the northeastern city of Hasakeh, which claimed five lives.

Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Russia failed to produce a ceasefire agreement by Monday as was promised. This prompted a private meeting between Presidents Obama and Putin at the G-20 summit, but progress remains stalled.

Technology: US intelligence and law enforcement agencies are probing what they see as a broad covert Russian operation in the United States to sow public distrust in the upcoming presidential election and in US political institutions. (WP)